Herba Alternantherae
Source
The whole plant of Alterrianthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., family
Amaranthaceae.
Characteristics
A herblet. Stem circular, branching, with nodal fibrous roots at the lower
part, hollow in section. Leaves opposite, sessile, blades long-circular
to oblanceolate, 2-6 cm long. Capitulum terminal, axillary, spherical;
stalks 1 cm long; flower small, numerous, clustered and white. Bitter
in taste and cold in nature.
Indication
Clear away heat and toxic materials, promote diuresis: For heat-syndrome,
intense heat-syndrome and dampness-heat syndrome. Recently, for preventing
and treating influenza and measles, and for treating encephalitis B, epidemic
hemorrhagic fever, viral hepatitis; eyedrops for epidemic conjunctivitis
and viral keratitis; local application for herpes zoster. Also for furuncle,
snake bite, stranguria with turbid urine, etc.
Pharmacological
Action
Its injection inhibits the growth of Asia influenza A virus, encephalitis
B virus and rabies virus in vitro.
Administration
For prevention of influenza: 15-30g prepared as decoction for 3 days,
repeat the same course at an interval of 1 week.
For measles: Daily dose 100-200g prepared as decoction, taken 34 times
dividedly.
For encephalitis B and epidemic hemorrhagic fever: 500-1000g of crude
drug decocted into solution for oral use or 500% solution for IV mixed
with 10% glucose solution in drips, with a dose of 20g/kg, the maximum
dose should be less than 1000g.
For eye disease: 100% solution prepared as eyedrops.